The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

9.

Today, Prince Lukas of Xiao would be coming back from his meeting in Lux. There would also be a parade for him for returning as he helped contribute to a treaty between the two lands. He would ride on his horse in the streets around town. He would even pass the bakery.

"Dad, what should I do with these?" Esther asked, holding up Xiao's national flags

"Hang it on the railings, on the door, and if you can, hang the big one on the window or the ledge," Nathaniel yelled from inside

Esther hung the flags where Nathaniel told her too, but she was careful when hanging it on the ledge. Elliana was in the cafe tending to the customers. Jackson was going to come later. Esther finished and went back into the cafe to help around.
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Trumpets, horns, and drums were heard and so was yelling and cheering. The Rochester-Lynch's stood out their cafe on the steps to see the prince and his loyal guards and the marching band. Jackson stood beside Elliana.

"Hey Jackson, shouldn't you be with your family watching this?" Esther asked, waving her flag in Ellianas face

"My family isn't really into this. Why? Don't you want me here?" Jackson asked, curious

Elliana grabbed the flag to stop Esther, "I'm not saying it like that. I just thought since today was a day off for some people, that your parents would want to spend time together,"

"Well, my family isn't like that. I like being with you then with them," Jackson said, ruffling her hair

"Hey, don't mess up with my hair! It took me an hour to fix my bow headband," Esther whined, pushing his hand off

Cheering and yelling and instruments were growing louder. Esther looked at the marching band that was walking past then came the Prince of Xiao. Esther waved her flag and cheered. The prince and his guards on their horses as the prince waved and nodded to the crowd.

"You look happy," Esther looked at her dad

"Of course I am. It's fun to be part of something even if everyone's here is enjoying it," Esther said, smiling at the crowd

"I'm just happy to see you smile," Nathaniel brought her into his side

Esther smiled, but couldn't get out the fact that Prince Lukas looks like her friend, Lukas. 'He could've been lying to me to protect himself.'
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The parade ended for Prince Lukas arrive and everything went back to normal. Elliana going to
Fabian's workshop and Jackson accompanying her back to the cafe then staying to help around. Esther and Nathaniel taking care of the cafe, baking the goods or buying the needed groceries.

Esther walked through the market, holding her basket in front of her as she looked at the stalls. She stopped in front of a stall filled with ribbons, bows, satins, silk, fabric.

"What seemed to catch your eye?" The owner asked

"This," Esther picked up a silk ribbon, "How much is it?"

"Who did you think of?"

"Oh, um, my sister. The color reminded me of her pure heart and the dedication she has,"

"$10. I can see the kindness and love you have for your sister,"

"She's really precious to me and my dad," Esther handed him the money

"She'll get this one also, but I'll pay for it," A man said beside her

Esther looked at the man, "No, it's fine. Please don't spend your money on a woman you don't know,"

"I can't help it. I saw this fabric that would look good on you by the way you style your hair," He said, holding up the fabric

"Well, um, thank you, but I'll pay you back," Esther took out the money

"No, need to. Just wear this and that'll be enough," He said, placing his hand on hers

Esther moved her hand away and placed her money away. She had a bad feeling just by looking into his blue eyes, they looked wild. The owner handed her a bag filled with the two purchases.

"Have a great day,"

"You too," Esther said, walking away as she waved

Esther placed the bag in her basket and looked at the list she needed to get. She walked to the stalls that had the ingredients she's needed, but she felt someone following her.

"Esther!" Esther turned around and saw Lily running to her

"Lily! What are you doing here?" Esther asked, hugging Lily

"I came to visit the cafe, but your father told me, you were out shopping," Lily said, looking down at her basket

"I'm almost done so we can go back quickly since your standing out," Esther said, staring at Lily's outfit

"Hey, I got to be a fashion statement even I love this dress," Lily twirled in her dress

"Its very pretty. Now, who made the dress? I know your good at making dresses, but this is something... else," Esther said, walking away from the stall, pulling Lily along

"Hey! That's mean, Esther. And for your information, Elliana helped me,"

"Did you see her today?" Esther asked

"No, but I'm going to see her later and I just went to see your dad and you," Lily grabbed a bag from the basket

"Do you still have the hots for my dad, Lily?" Esther asked, disgusted

"Hey, that was a phase even your dad is gorgeous. I don't understand why he isn't married?"

Esther didn't say anything and continue to walk. It's true that Nathaniel wasn't married as he didn't feel attracted to anyone and couldn't get over Katherine, she was the one for him.

"Sorry if I struck a nerve. It's just a thought and question even if I'm being honest, you dad doesnt need anyone. He looks happy just as he is," Lily said, trying to save herself

"My dad doesn't need anyone even do you really think a woman would want two grown step daughters?" Esther said, stopping at the crosswalk

"Sorry, Esther. I didn't mean to ask that," Lily said, ashamed

"Don't worry. I know so many people think of that question, but its my dad choice if he wants to remarry,"